Returning on January 30, 2027, the 42nd Annual 4M Mayhem Model Show and Contest will once again bring builders, collectors, and hobby enthusiasts together for one of the Great Lakes Region's longest-running and most respected modeling events. Hosted by the Mid-Michigan Model Makers, this winter gathering has become a cornerstone of the Michigan modeling calendar and an event many modelers use to kick off their contest season.
As a company dedicated to supporting scale modelers across the country, AFV Hobby Hub is proud to highlight events like 4M Mayhem that strengthen the modeling community, encourage craftsmanship, and provide opportunities for hobbyists to connect, learn, and share their passion for the hobby.
Held at Saginaw Valley State University, 4M Mayhem continues a tradition that has inspired modelers for more than four decades.
Event Details
4M Mayhem 2027
Date: January 30, 2027
Venue: Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU)
Address:
7400 Bay Road
University Center, MI 48710
United States
Host: Mid-Michigan Model Makers
Region: IPMS/USA Region 4 – Great Lakes
Website:
https://midmichiganmodelmakers.org/
Contact Information
Jim Church
Contest Chairperson
Email: jecdiamond3@aol.com
Forty-Two Years and Still Going Strong
Longevity matters in the modeling world.
A show that reaches its 42nd year has earned its reputation through consistency, dedication, and the support of generations of builders. Over the decades, 4M Mayhem has welcomed thousands of entries and hobbyists from throughout Michigan and neighboring states.
Its enduring success has been built on three principles:
- Quality competition
- Strong community involvement
- A shared passion for scale modeling
Those same qualities continue to attract newcomers and veteran modelers year after year.
For AFV Hobby Hub, events like 4M Mayhem represent the very best of the hobby—bringing together builders of all ages and experience levels while helping preserve the traditions that make scale modeling such a rewarding pastime.
The Show That Starts the Season
For many Great Lakes modelers, 4M Mayhem serves as the unofficial starting gun for the annual contest circuit.
After spending the winter months at the workbench, builders arrive with newly completed projects ready for display and judging. The contest room is typically filled with exceptional craftsmanship, innovative techniques, and fresh ideas that inspire attendees long after the show ends.
Just as importantly, the event provides an opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet fellow hobbyists, and strengthen the relationships that make the modeling community so special.
AFV Hobby Hub strongly believes that local and regional events are essential to the growth of the hobby. They create opportunities for mentorship, encourage new modelers to participate, and showcase the incredible talent that exists throughout the modeling world.
Armor Takes the Field
For readers of AFVHobbyHub.com, 4M Mayhem consistently delivers an impressive display of military vehicle modeling.
Armor categories remain among the most popular divisions at regional contests, and Michigan's modeling community has earned a reputation for producing outstanding work across every era of military history.
Visitors can expect to see:
- World War I armor
- World War II tanks and assault guns
- Cold War military vehicles
- Modern armored fighting vehicles
- Self-propelled artillery
- Soft-skin military vehicles
- Armored recovery vehicles
- Detailed military dioramas
The contest tables frequently become a master class in weathering techniques, camouflage finishes, scratchbuilding, stowage detailing, and historical accuracy.
Whether you're researching your next project, looking for inspiration, or simply appreciating the artistry involved in armor modeling, there's no substitute for seeing these remarkable builds in person.
More Than Plastic and Paint
What separates a great contest from a good one isn't simply
the number of models on the tables.
It's the people.
One of the enduring strengths of 4M Mayhem has always been
its community atmosphere. Throughout the day, visitors can expect to find
conversations about:
- New kit releases
- Historical research
- Painting techniques
- Weathering methods
- Aftermarket products
- Upcoming contests
The hobby is built on shared knowledge, and events like 4M
Mayhem continue to serve as gathering places where that knowledge is passed
from one generation of modelers to the next.
A Showcase of Every Modeling Genre
While AFVs remain a major attraction, 4M Mayhem brings
together every corner of the hobby.
Visitors can expect displays featuring:
Aircraft
From World War I biplanes to modern combat aircraft and
civilian aviation subjects.
Automotive
Models
Classic cars, race cars, customs, trucks, and modern
performance machines.
Ships
and Maritime Subjects
Historic warships, submarines, merchant vessels, and
sailing ships.
Figures
Military, historical, fantasy, and science-fiction
miniatures showcasing exceptional painting skills.
Science
Fiction and Fantasy
Creative builds inspired by movies, television, literature,
and original concepts.
The diversity of subjects ensures there is always something
new to discover.
Why Modelers Keep Coming Back
After four decades, 4M Mayhem has become much more than a
contest.
It has become a tradition.
Builders return because they know they can count on:
- A respected regional competition
- Strong AFV participation
- Friendly and knowledgeable
attendees
- Opportunities to learn new
techniques
- A well-established event
organization
- The chance to reconnect with the
modeling community
For many participants, it's less about winning awards and
more about being part of an event that celebrates the hobby itself.
A Great Lakes Classic
Every region has a few events that become part of its
modeling identity.
In the Great Lakes region, 4M Mayhem is one of those shows.
Its combination of history, quality competition, and
community spirit has allowed it to thrive for 42 years, and it continues to
serve as a gathering point for hobbyists who share a passion for scale
modeling.
Whether you're bringing your latest AFV masterpiece,
browsing the contest tables for inspiration, or simply enjoying a day among
fellow enthusiasts, 4M Mayhem 2027 promises to deliver the
kind of experience that has kept modelers returning for more than four decades.
For additional event information and updates, visit https://midmichiganmodelmakers.org/ or contact Jim Church at jecdiamond3@aol.com.
More Than a Contest
While awards and competition are an important part of 4M Mayhem, the event is ultimately about community.
Modelers gather not only to compete but also to exchange ideas, discuss techniques, discover new products, and celebrate a hobby they love. Many lasting friendships within the modeling world have started in contest halls just like this one.
That spirit of community is something AFV Hobby Hub is committed to supporting. Through partnerships with manufacturers, coverage of shows and events, and connections with clubs and builders nationwide, AFV Hobby Hub continues to invest in the future of the hobby and the people who make it great.
AFV Hobby Hub Supports the Modeling Community
As a leading source for armor modeling products, aftermarket accessories, and industry news, AFV Hobby Hub recognizes the critical role that local clubs and events play in keeping the hobby vibrant and growing.
Organizations such as the Mid-Michigan Model Makers provide the foundation upon which the modeling community is built. Their dedication to hosting quality events like 4M Mayhem creates opportunities for hobbyists to learn, compete, and share their work with fellow enthusiasts.
AFV Hobby Hub is proud to support modelers at every level—from first-time builders to national award winners—and encourages hobbyists throughout the Midwest and beyond to attend 4M Mayhem 2027.
After forty-two years, the formula remains simple: great models, great people, and a great hobby.
That's the kind of tradition worth celebrating.
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